Two former ministers, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, have emerged as the final contenders to become the next leader of the British Conservative Party. In a vote among Tory MPs, Sunak edged ahead with the strongest tally as the field narrowed to two candidates, according to the latest results.
The vote counted Sunak as the favourite of the Conservative parliamentary group, securing 137 votes to Truss’s 113. Penny Mordaunt, the Secretary of State for Trade Policy, trailed with 105 votes, coming in a close third at the decisive stage of the contest.
With the two finalists confirmed, the party will proceed to a postal ballot among party members and affiliated groups. The winner will be declared on Monday, September 5, after the summer recess and the conclusion of the party process.
Following the selection of the new leader, a change of prime minister is expected. The outgoing prime minister, Boris Johnson, is anticipated to step down, with the monarch and the Royal Household arranging a brief transition ceremony at Buckingham Palace to formalize the handover.
Sunak, aged 42, and Truss, aged 46, have secured broad backing from MPs, with internal polling suggesting continued support for the current foreign secretary among a segment of right‑wing lawmakers. The campaign has highlighted Sunak’s financial governance background, including his prior tenure as chancellor of the exchequer.
Sunak would be notable as the first person of Indian heritage to hold the premiership in the United Kingdom, should he win the contest. He resigned from the Johnson government on July 5 amid tensions over economic priorities and management style, a move that shaped the leadership race’s momentum.
The outcome of the leadership decision is expected to influence the party’s supporters and MPs ahead of looming elections. Some figures within the party, including former Health Secretary Sajid Javid, have shown sympathy toward Boris Johnson, who resigned from the parliamentary leadership in July after losing confidence within the group.
Meanwhile, other members of the government back the current leadership team as the political situation evolves. Observers note that the leadership contest remains dynamic, with public sentiment and internal party dynamics continuing to play a key role in shaping the outcome.
As August unfolds, the final two candidates continue to campaign across constituencies and party networks. The process emphasizes party unity and the ability to articulate a clear vision for Britain’s economic and international positioning in the years ahead. The succession plan will become clearer once the postal ballot concludes and the winner is announced.